As I Lay Dying Continues to Fall Apart as Ken Susi, Nick Pierce, and Ryan Neff Quit the Band
Over the last few days, things have been pretty shaky for the shell of a band that As I Lay Dying‘s become. First it was bassist and clean vocalist Ryan Neff that quit earlier this week, then came the band’s manager Alex Kendrick who left the fold, and now today guitarist and former Unearth member Ken Susi as well as drummer Nick Pierce announced they’ve quit the band as well.
In a statement posted on social media, Susi said his morals had been “tested to a breaking point,” adding that what we’re all witnessing is “the saddest ending” to the band’s attempt at a revitalization.
“My time playing with As I Lay Dying has come to an end today. I leave with so much gratitude for everyone who followed and supported me from my days in Unearth to this era of my career. I jumped into the AILD camp with full knowledge of the heightened dramatic history but had a drive to just play great music with great friends. Unfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point, and it’s now the saddest ending to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band.
“Ryan Neff is receiving a lot of backlash for stepping down first, and I regret not sharing this decision sooner and standing confidently with my friend — he’s a flawless musician and an even better person. I’ll miss you all on this stage, and I look forward to seeing you on the next one. Anyone looking for a guitar player? My resume is ready.”
Similarly, Pierce announced on his Instagram post that he was also walking away from the band, stating that this was “far from being the ending I anticipated” and that he needed to walk away “in an effort ot retain my personal health and integrity.”
“As of now, I am no longer playing drums for As I Lay Dying. This is far from being the ending I anticipated, and I feel I need to distance myself from the band in an effort to retain my personal health and integrity.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who followed and supported me throughout this journey. My goal has and always will be to create unforgettable memories with my friends and write music that will truly resonate with our fans. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished on the road touring, as well as writing and recording drums for the new album.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my drumming career and pursue what I love most which is making music. My touring and session schedule is now actively open for new opportunities.”
As Susi said in his announcement, Neff quit the band last Friday, with Kendrick following shortly thereafter. Specific details as to why all three men have opted to leave the band are not available at this time, only that they’re all out of the band fronted by noted convict Tim Lambesis.
For posterity, Neff’s statement read as follows:
“This choice comes after much reflection, and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey. I am grateful for the experiences and connections I’ve made during my time with the band. Thank you to all the fans for your support.”
As for Kendrick, he said he was “no longer working” with the band, later clarifying that he had left the band on good terms with Lambesis, stating that he was leaving simply because “there’s just no work.”
Revitalized back in 2018 after Lambesis served two and a half years for trying to hire a hitman to kill his then-wife Meggan Murphy, the band’s been trying to make a comeback as of late. Their new album Through Storms Ahead is due to release on November 20 and they planned on supporting that release with a European tour that’s supposed to kick off just days before.
As of now, there’s no concrete answer as to what’s coming for As I Lay Dying or the tour they have coming up, though some venues across the pond are saying the tour’s canceled.
